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Rolleiflex SL2000F

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Rolleiflex SL 2000 F
Rolleiflex SL2000F motor with Planar 1.4/50 lens
Rolleiflex SL2000F motor with Planar 1.4/50 lens
Overview
MakerRollei (Franke & Heidecke)
TypeModular SLR
Released1981 (1981)
Lens
Lens mountQBM
LensInterchangeable lens
Sensor/medium
Film format35mm
Film size36 mm × 24 mm
Film speed25–6400
Film speed detectionManual setting
Film advanceMotor
Film rewindManual
Exposure/metering
Exposure modesManual (M), Aperture-priority (A), and Bulb (B)
Flash
FlashHot shoe, PC Sync
Flash synchronization1125 s
Shutter
ShutterElectronically timed vertical running metal shutter
Shutter speed range16s – 11000 s with Bulb and 1125 s flash sync
Viewfinder
ViewfinderTelescopic eye-level or waist-level
General
Battery5×AA or NiCd pack
Dimensions3.5×4.75×6.25 in (88.9×120.7×158.8 mm)
Weight2 lb 12 oz (1,200 g) (incl. lens, without batteries)
Made inGermany

The Rolleiflex SL2000F is a line of modular 135 film single lens reflex cameras (SLR) made by Rollei which share the QBM lens mount with the earlier Rolleiflex SL35 line, adding interchangeable film backs, similar in concept to contemporary medium format SLR systems including the Rolleiflex SL66 / SLX, Hasselblad V-System, and Mamiya RB67. The SL2000F was first announced at photokina in 1976, and released in 1981 after a prolonged development period. It was succeeded by the SL3003 (1984), which extended the fastest shutter speed from 11000 to 12000 sec., and SL3001 (1985), a simplified SL3003 which removed the waist-level finder and reverted to 11000 sec.

History

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The prototype SL2000 was first exhibited at photokina '76, featuring both aperture- and shutter-priority autoexposure modes along with a top speed of 12000 sec.[1] However, when it was released in February 1981 for Germany and selected other European countries, the shutter-priority mode had been dropped and the top speed reduced to 11000 sec.[2] Rollei's bankruptcy later that year halted production temporarily.[3]

The SL3003 was shown at photokina '84, increasing the fastest shutter speed and adding a grip to the right side of the camera; it required the NiCd battery pack.[4][5]

Design

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The SL2000F body includes both eye- and waist-level finders.[3] The SL2000F offers motorized film advance at up to an observed three frames per second, powered by a battery pack that attaches to the rear of the film magazine; either five AA batteries can be used, or a separate NiCd pack is available. Film must be rewound back into the cartridge manually.[3]: 110 

Manually selectable shutter speeds range from 16 to 11000 sec., with a "B"ulb mode. The vertically-traveling focal plane shutter has a maximum flash synchronization speed of 1125 sec. In aperture-priority automatic exposure mode, the camera can select a top speed of 12000 sec. under certain conditions.[6]

An accessory Sportsfinder Prism was released in 1983.[7]

Lenses

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The Rolleiflex SL2000F takes the same lenses as the Rollei SL35, which use the QBM (quick bayonet mount) interface. Some lenses were designed by Carl Zeiss AG and manufactured by Rollei under license, while others were designed and manufactured by Zeiss. In addition, Rollei manufactured a lower-cost line of Rolleinar MC lenses for QBM.[3]: 174 

Backs

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The standard magazine back requires the photographer to set the film speed and roll length using two dials; film is carried in an interchangeable cassette insert which can be removed through the bottom of the magazine independently of the magazine itself.[3]

In 1983, Rollei introduced a 250-exposure magazine back.[8] Also that year, a Polaroid film back was released.[7] A 750-exposure magazine back was introduced in 1988.[9]

References

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  1. ^ Wahl, Paul (April 1977). "Buyer's guide: Incredible new 35mm SLR cameras". Popular Science. Vol. 210, no. 4. Times Mirror Magazines. pp. 124–127, 137–138. Retrieved 20 April 2023.
  2. ^ Schwalberg, Bob (July 1982). "Programmed-exposure SLRs: Are They for You?". Popular Photography. Vol. 89, no. 7. Ziff-Davis. pp. 80–87, 157–158. ISSN 0032-4582. Retrieved 20 April 2023. The international photo press first saw a multimode model in the prototype for the Rolleiflex SL-2000 F shown at photokina 1976. But when this camera was finally Euromarketed, in February, 1981, it had shed both its multimodishness and the 1/2,000-sec top speed for which it is still named.
  3. ^ a b c d e Schwalberg, Bob (March 1982). "First Look: Rolleiflex SL 2000 F". Popular Photography. pp. 110–111, 174. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
  4. ^ "Photokina '84 New-product Highlights". Popular Photography. December 1984. p. 78. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
  5. ^ "Are These the World's Most Innovative SLRs? Rolleiflex 3003". Popular Photography. Vol. 92, no. 9. CBS Magazines. September 1985. p. 72. ISSN 0032-4582. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
  6. ^ "Rolleiflex SL 2000 F 35mm Single Lens Reflex Camera System" (PDF). Rollei Division, Berkey Marketing Companies. May 1982. Retrieved 3 October 2024 – via Pacific Rim Camera, Reference Library.
  7. ^ a b Fesce, Joseph P. (June 1983). "PMA '83: Accessories". Popular Photography. pp. 96–97. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
  8. ^ Frank, Michele A. (December 1983). "New Products from Rollei". Popular Photography. pp. 94–95. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
  9. ^ "The Big Show '88: 800-shot SLR (Almost)". Popular Photography. March 1988. p. 98. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
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